Newsletter August 2020


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

August 2020



Captain's Chair: Be Prepared

As we head into a predicted active storm season, please remember to have a hurricane preparedness plan for both home and business. Remember that conditions can change suddenly so we need to pay attention to storm watches and warnings and be especially mindful of the bridge closure timeline if/when the U.S. Coast Guard announces port condition “Whiskey” and “Yankee” status.

COVID-19 cases continue to fluctuate, and as a community we must begin to enact both short- and long-term solutions to getting people back to work, keeping the economy going, and moving away from the “cancel culture” that is taking hold. You may have seen the recent article in Miami Today News that maritime jobs are in high demand right now. With the popularity of boating soaring, we know many companies are looking for both land- and sea-based workers, giving the marine industry an opportunity to show leadership in the area of safely keeping employees working and businesses open. For now, the cost of doing business includes wearing face masks, hand-washing and personal hygiene, and physical distancing.

At FLIBS this year, you can expect to see multiple entrances and exits to limit lines and crowd build-up, sanitation stations to encourage hand-washing, wider main docks, directional markers for pedestrians, strategic bus and water taxi transportation routes with extra drop off and pick up sites, and hygiene hosts to assist in the comfort and safety of attendees. Informa will be implementing more new protocols that have been developed with the architectural and design firm, EDSA, which also works with companies like Disney to create safe and beautifully designed spaces. If you haven’t seen it already, watch our FLIBS Public Safety Announcement here for more details, including Informa’s AllSecure health and safety guidelines.

We know FLIBS will be the reset for our industry and an important economic driver for the region and the State. We are working with all our community partners to ensure we host a safe and productive event for guests and exhibitors and look forward to sharing more details as they become available.

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy for the marine industry! Remember, it’s not too much to mask.


Advocacy Report

Advocacy Report

The comment period for the FEC Bridge ended on August 12th with very few comments submitted. MIASF responded with a few clarifying items but, in general, the operation with predictable openings has provided boaters with defined openings at a minimum, and assured openings they can schedule a trip around.

Speaking of bridge operation, we have completed the scheduled and a few unscheduled closures over August for the installation of new tracks to permit freight to travel at a higher rate of speed over the bridge. They will now be able to cross the bridge at 40mph, which is a significant improvement to the previous 10 mph. The project was not without its challenges and to the credit of the construction team at one point the bridge was not able to open and they called a crane to the site to resolve the opening problem until the repair was accomplished.

Many of you may have seen in the local news that Brightline has severed its relationship with Virgin Trains and has returned to their Brightline brand. This has had no impact on the good working relationship with the train operational staff and MIASF as there has been no change in personnel.

Earlier this month MIASF and its federal lobbyist, Duncan Smith, met with U.S.C.G. to discuss the speed at which NTVRP plans are approved, typically up to 60 days. The impact of this is most apparent at the time of an offshore sale and the inability for the new owner to return to the U.S. without an approved NTRVP. A one-time waiver is a possibility however, it is currently against policy in the Miami sector. The Washington, D.C. U.S.C.G. office is currently coordinating a meeting with District 7 leadership to bring the discussion to the local area.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has presented the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) for the Miami-Dade County Back Bay Study design to control storm surge. The plan includes a floodwall in Biscayne Bay at Brickell that will include a prohibition of boating and mooring within a mile of the structure and surge barriers at the entrance of Miami River that will narrow the navigation area in a critical space. Also include in the TSP is identification of areas for potential non-motorized areas. MIASF has submitted a letter commenting on our areas of concern with the plan as has the Miami-based Marine Council.


Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program

This month the apprentices in the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program completed the Employability portion of the course with a guest presentation from Vicki Abernathy of AERÉ Marine Group. Vicki is a former hospitality industry human relations professional with decades of experience. She shared important information about resumes, first appearances, and being prepared for an interview.  Leo Marquis, the rigging training specialist at Crosby Rigging, gave a presentation of the ASME/OSHA rigging fundamentals and presented each of the apprentices with their certification. Once the candidates finish forklift training in August, they will begin the machining and fitting portion of the course.

A new apprenticeship cohort will begin in January 2021 and registration is open for apprentices and partner shipyards to join current participating yards, Derecktor Dania, Bradford Marine, and MarineMax.


Business Highlight: Harbour Towne Marina

Business Highlight: Harbour Towne Marina

Excellence is a way of life at Harbour Towne Marina. The staff exemplify experience and dedication as industry professionals with a commitment to quality service. It has been awarded “Marina of the Year” by Marina Dock Age Magazine in recognition of consistent customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and the cooperative efforts of the staff, community, and marine industry. It has been the repeat recipient of the Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard designations from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Clean Marina award recognizes outstanding environmental clean water practices. In addition, Harbour Towne has also received the Green Boatyard Award, as well as the Emerald Award for innovative procedures and process improvements. These standards are the highest in the industry. The staff present extensive knowledge and the ability to assist in arranging any and all needs. Whether it is a slip, maintenance, local attractions, restaurants, or just a helpful hand, Harbour Towne and its staff are available rain or shine, year-round.

Surrounded by South Florida’s last remaining mangrove habitat, it is only minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway and three unobstructed miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is conveniently located on the Dania Cutoff Canal, at ICW, just south of the Port Everglades Inlet, and provides quick and easy access whether in the mood for the quiet relaxation of a leisurely cruise up the New River, lufting sails in an evening breeze, the deep sea excitement of landing the “big one” or diving among the coral reefs.

With a compliment of over 20 waterside businesses and some of South Florida’s largest yacht brokerages located on the property, it is able to provide a wide range of services and amenities for professional captains as well as the weekend boater, and offers a multitude of marine maintenance and repair services necessary to keep any vessel in top performance, including, bottom work, rigging, painting, fiberglass, canvas, interior design, refinishing, custom woodworking, engine service and absentee yacht management.


Faces in the Industry: Sandy Hoekstra-Handrahan

Faces in the Industry: Sandy Hoekstra-Handrahan

Tell us where you are from and how long you’ve lived here.

I was born and raised in South Florida.  I am the youngest of 7 with 5 brothers and 1 sister!  I am proud to be a native of Florida – you just can’ t beat the lifestyle!  We have such stunning beaches and so much to do in and around our water ways.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

I am the owner and founder of Yacht-Mate Products Inc.  Since 1999 we have provided the boating industry with a variety of water treatment products. 

Products range from our Dock-Mate Softeners for washing down the vessels to Fill Fast pre filters (new technology) to Blue Water Clear Mate RO for dockside spot free water to Viqua UV’s for sterilizing the water coming from the fresh water tanks to various 3M or Watts products to purify the drinking water which reduces/eliminates the need for bottled water on-board, which is costly, takes up storage space, promotes waste & unfortunately tends to end up in our waterways!  We also provide MSD systems (small and compact) for sewage treatment.  We offer a few lines of water makers such as Tecnicomar and Blue Water Desal.  We have systems & products for odor control as well, like Gelair, Hydroyxl Generators, Clean Exhaust systems and so much more! 

In 2018, I partnered with Robert Bertolo to form a new company, Fire Water Marine Services.  We inspect and certify the fire & safety equipment on-board.  We have our ABS & Lloyds certifications! 

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

I have been working in the water filtration business since 1991!  When I was given an opportunity to work with someone on the marine side of that industry I was immediately intrigued!  It seemed like there was a lot of opportunity for water treatment in this sector, so a partner and me started Yacht-Mate Products!  I have been on my own since 1999.  I have since been successful in introducing a lot of new products to the marine industry.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

First is the networking events & activities that are available through the association that we as companies can participate in.  The other important benefit is the advocacy that keeps us all informed and active in the political side of our industry & of course, the biggest and best boat show, FLIBS, which kick starts every year off with a bang!

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved.

We participate with not only the MIASF, but the Mariners Club, The Triton events and USSA.  I was a judge in the Plywood Regatta for a few years and really miss the Ft Lauderdale Billfish Tournaments and Golf Tournaments.

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things you do for fun.

Well of course love to go boating, fishing, and diving.  I also love to ride my bicycle for daily exercise.  I live in Pompano Beach next to the 5-mile track that circles the blimp base.  I typically get 10 miles in a day!  My husband and I just got a new Harley so love to go on rides and explore more of Florida.


MIASF News: FLIBS Know Before You Go!

MIASF News: FLIBS Know Before You Go!

Know Before You Go is the new Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show public service announcement regarding health and safety standards and guidelines that will be implemented at the boat show this year. Click here to watch the very informative video that everyone participating in FLIBS must see!  


MIASF News: Bridge2Life Career Town Hall

MIASF News: Bridge2Life Career Town Hall

Lori Wheeler, MIASF vice president, was the opening speaker at the Bridge2Life Career Town Hall for Broward County high school students. Bridge2Life is the local college access network that has organized a series of four town hall meetings for students, with a chance for students to win one of 11 $500 scholarships. The agenda featured marine industry professionals as speaker and panelists to a virtual audience of dozens of high schoolers and Lori covered topics that included the scope of the industry, pathways to work, marine training schools and technical colleges, internships, the MIASF Salty Jobs video series, the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program, and FLIBS. She also offered personal advice to the students.


MIASF News: Florida Festivals and Events Association 2020 Conference

MIASF News: Florida Festivals and Events Association 2020 Conference

MIASF staff members, Nicole Hoekstra and Megan Piggott, attended the Florida Festivals and Events Association 2020 Conference in person in Bonita Springs, Florida and accepted 2nd Place FFEA 2020 Sunsational Award for Promotional Mailers for the 2020 Broward County Waterway Cleanup flyer with Steve Diossy’s artwork The two-day event included informational and educational seminars on sustainability, event production, and the impact of the pandemic on events now and in the future.


Member News: Zeno Mattress

Member News: Zeno Mattress

Sadly, Zeno Mattress owner, 78-year-old Joseph Zeno, died on July 19th due to COVID-19. The custom-made mattress company that began in the 1960s ventured into the boating business in the 1970s when a boat owner from nearby Chris-Craft boats requested an innerspring mattress instead of foam. Under the direction of Joe and his brother, the company began making custom mattresses with Sea Ray, Broward Marine, Roscioli, and Trinity Yachts. The now third-generation company will continue with his daughter, Judi Ebbole.


Member News: Lewis Marine Supply

Member News: Lewis Marine Supply

Louis Diaz is the new vice president of sales at Lewis Marine Supply and will manage the sales team and join the executive management team. Diaz previously worked with the Haimes-Coleman Group and ran a sales team for Donovan Marine, working with the Charles Perry Co., and selling Pettit Paint.


Member News: Brunswick Corporation

Member News: Brunswick Corporation

Earlier this year, Brunswick Corporation was named to Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity. Winners of the award were chosen based on an independent survey from a representative sample of 60,000 employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people in their U.S. operations. Respondents were asked questions regarding the topics of age, gender equality, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQA+ and general diversity concerning their own employer. In 2019, for the second consecutive year, Forbes Magazine named Brunswick Corporation among America’s Best Employers. That award, also employee driven, is determined by an anonymous survey of employees and identifies companies that employees like to work for and would recommend to others. In addition, Brunswick was honored as a 2019 Corporate Champion by the Women’s Forum of New York for accelerating gender parity in the boardroom with 30% or more board seats held by women.


Member News: Amerijet International

Member News: Amerijet International

Tim Strauss has been selected as the new chief executive officer of Amerijet International, effective August 17th, as the previous CEO, Vic Karjian, becomes executive chairman to focus on strategic company objectives. The succession will take effect during a period of profitable growth for Amerijet as it continues to evolve from a regional player in the all-cargo air logistics business to becoming a global air cargo provider. In 2020, Amerijet began scheduled non-stop operations from Miami to Brussels, connecting points beyond Belgium through a European road feeder service as well as providing capacity between Europe and the company’s network throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. Strauss has a background in air cargo, having worked for Air Canada, Northwest Delta Cargo, Hawaiian Airlines Cargo, and Emery Worldwide.


Member News: Water Taxi

Member News: Water Taxi

Due to high demand, Water Taxi is reopening its limited service on the weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12PM-8PM, Water Taxi will be sailing to and from Stop 1 (Riverside Hotel) and Stop 6 (Beach Place). All day tickets are just $20 and allow guests to hop on and off at each of the two stops. Visit www.WaterTaxi.com for more information.


Member News: Yachtronics

Member News: Yachtronics

We are saddened to inform MIASF members of the death of Don Ehrlich, owner and president of Yachtronics in Fort Lauderdale, which he built with business partners, Eric Feenstra and Dave Deacle. According to an obituary in the Sun Sentinel, Mr. Ehrlich died hiking in Lake Tahoe, California. He was 58. Don was passionate about fishing biking, SCUBA diving, and traveling, and was dedicated to ocean and beach cleanup and preservation. His family held a private service at Historic Evergreen Cemetery.


Member News: CareerSource Broward

Member News: CareerSource Broward

On Friday, August 21,  members of the Broward Workforce Development Board held a socially distant car parade celebrating 44 years of service by retiring CareerSource Broward President/CEO, Mason Jackson. Jackson is succeeded by Carol Hylton as President/CEO.

Jackson is regarded as one of the state's leading workforce CEOs, honored with numerous awards for his innovative leadership, including the Florida Economic Development Council's Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year Award in 2012, the top statewide honor for workforce development professionals.

 


Member News: MHG Insurance Brokers

Member News: MHG Insurance Brokers

MHG Insurance Brokers, the marine industry’s crew benefits specialist, and VIKAND SOLUTIONS, LLC, a global, maritime medical operations and healthcare solutions provider, announced their partnership to bring VIKAND’s Health and Hygiene program to the yachting industry. This Health and Hygiene program consists of a 3-pronged approach to reduce and potentially eliminate the threat of COVID-19 onboard, while also promoting the overall health and wellness of crew and guests through air purification technology, medical protocols, and around the clock medical support.

For more information click here.


Upcoming Event: Maritime Monday Scavenger Hunt

Upcoming Event: Maritime Monday Scavenger Hunt

MIASF’s Monthly Maritime Monday will be held via Zoom on September 14th from the comfort of your own home or workplace. Our themed networking and social event will be Homebound Scavenger Hunt and will require some “home”work from everyone who registers. We will start at 6:00 p.m. (instead of the usual 5:30 p.m.) to give a little extra time to those who need to get home, put on comfortable clothes, pour a cocktail, and make a snack. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to YOT at Lauderdale Marine Center, and two additional YOT gift cards, $50 and $25, will be raffled off at the end of the event. Many thanks to Julie Berry, SVP of Stiles Realty Marine Division for sponsoring the prizes this month!

Be on the lookout for a flyer with all the details!

 


Past Event: Maritime Monday

Past Event: Maritime Monday

Congratulations to MIASF’s Maritime Monday Zoom networking participants and BOATS (BINGO) winners! Using online BOATS cards with nautical terms instead of numbers, players participated in several rounds of the game on August 3rd for the chance to win a gift card to socially distanced waterfront dining at the Boathouse at The Riverside Hotel. Cheers to Janet Granger for winning $25, Deb Radtke for winning $25, and Brooke Joiner for winning $50. Now you know who to call for happy hour.   


Past Event: OneBlood Blood Drive and CDTC Food Drive

Past Event: OneBlood Blood Drive and CDTC Food Drive

MIASF was pleased to co-host a ONEBlood Blood Drive with Sandy Hoekstra-Handrahan of Yacht-Mate Products and sponsor a Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center “Bare Necessities Food Pantry” non-perishable food drive to help local hospitals treat the influx of COVID-19 patients and assist the food needs of families with special needs children being served by the CDTC. More than 30 individuals registered to donate blood or plasma/platelettes, and several hundred pounds of food items were collected. Many thanks to all those in our marine industry family who drove-in, donated, and dropped-off!


Anchor Meeting

Anchor Meeting

The August Anchor Meeting was held via Zoom and included an informative and detailed presentation by Scott Lamont, principal of EDSA, the planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm working with Informa on important new design elements for FLIBS 2020, including multiple entrances, sanitation stations, transportation routes, pedestrian traffic models, and food and beverage protocols that will be implemented to enhance the health and safety guidelines of the AllSecure plan announced earlier.

Member company updates reinforced the significance of the marine industry remaining essential during the economic shutdown and confirmed the recent surge in boat sales.

Anchor Members were happy to welcome Bradford Marine as the newest member.


Salty Jobs

Salty Jobs

Latest Episode:

Salty Jobs’ co-hosts Sean Smith and Brandon Gibson visit Bradford Marine for the Season 3 Finale. Watch here as they learn the process for painting boats with precision and practice.

Featured Job:

RMK Merrill-Stevens has announced the opening of several new positions at the historic shipyard. The companies are currently seeking applicants to fill a wide variety of roles including but not limited to boatyard laborer, bookkeeper, electronic systems sales engineer, janitor, carpenter, electrician, fiberglass technician, finish painter, mechanic, bottom painter, carpenter, electrical technician, electrician, fiberglass technician, mechanic, welder fabricator, purchasing coordinator, purchasing department manager, senior accountant, ship lift operator, travel lift operator, and more!. Marine experience for all trades listed is a must. Manager, and lead positions available. Applicants are encouraged to submit their resume to recruiting@rmkms.com or call 305-324-5211.


Did You Know?

Did You Know?

MIASF is preparing to go to print with the 2020-21 South Florida Marine Directory and we want to ensure that all member listings are reflected accurately. Bundle Administrators, please log in to your Member Portal at www.miasf.org/portal/login to review your company and primary contact listing, paying special attention to Company Categories and Company Description (for print). Verify the number of categories selected does not exceed four and the company description (for print) is limited to 500 characters or less (including spaces). Any listing not in compliance will be edited at MIASF’s discretion. Bundle Members, please notify your Bundle Administrator.

If you have not yet logged in to the new Member Portal you will need to reset your password. View step-by-step instructions to reset your password by clicking here.

Make any desired changes to the company listing no later than August 28, 2020. As a reminder, the username is the email address on file for the account.

Ad space is available to increase your company’s presence in the directory! Click here for detailed information on pricing and specs for directory ads.

For assistance logging in, or for any other questions or concerns, please contact Nicole Hoekstra at nicole@miasf.org  or at 954-524-2733.


New Members

New Members

REGULAR MEMBERS:

 

Fire Water Marine Services, LLC

Robert Bertolo

Email: rob@firewaterms.com 

Website: www.firewaterms.com 

3200 South Andrews Ave., Suite 106

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: (954) 527-3095

Company Description: Fire Water Marine Services is an ABS and Lloyd's approved organization built upon trust and dedication to the customers and their safety at sea. This dedication to our customers and their "Safety at Sea" is reinforced by always following the applicable codes and procedures for all firefighting and life-safety equipment on board your vessel. With over 15 years of experience and dedication to the marine industry and its safety, Fire Water Marine Services will always keep you safe and compliant.

 

GFA International

Fred Kaub

Email: fred@teamgfa.com 

Website: www.teamgfa.com 

1215 Wallace Drive

Delray Beach, FL 33444

Phone: (561) 347-0070

Company Description: Environmental, Geotechnical, Materials Testing & Inspection

 

M&M Boat Services, LLC

Marcus Armenta

Email: marcus@mmboatservices.com 

Website: www.mmboatservices.com 

919 N. Birch Road

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Phone: (954) 826-9713

Company Description: Specializing in boats under 100' (30m) M&M Boat Services, LLC provides services including a simplified Yacht Management program for smaller yachts, Monthly Boat & Systems Checks, Captain Services & Yacht Deliveries, Project Management, Wash Downs & Detailing, Bottom Cleaning, and basic maintenance, etc. If you need something, just ask! We can personally relate to our clients, and strongly believe in customer service, communication with our clients, and providing a quality, value added service.

 

Sir Winston Luxury Yacht Charters

Winston Knauss

Email: sirwinston10@gmail.com 

Website: www.sirwinstonluxuryyacht.com 

Diplomat Landing

3555 South Ocean Drive

Hollywood, FL 33019

Phone: (305) 947-6868

Company Description: WINSTON KNAUSS, designer, builder, owner, and captain of the most unique charter yachts in the world was a highly successful businessman and entrepreneur in Indianapolis, Indiana. He founded and owned Winston Development Corp., AAA Wrecking Co., a demolition contracting business, owned and operated the Winston Yacht and Country Club, and a number of hotels, and was also a land developer. Captain Winston joined MIASF back in the early 1970's when he started chartering his yacht in Fort Lauderdale.